Description
This Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a playful and sophisticated snack combining the classic muddy buddies recipe with creamy cheesecake, sweet cherries, and a pink cream drizzle. It’s a delightful sweet and salty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10oz) Chocolate Chex Cereal (about 5 cups)
- 115g (1/2 cup) Smooth Peanut Butter (4 Tbsp)
- 60g (1/4 cup) Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp)
- 200g (1 cup) Powdered Sugar (8oz)
- 100g (3.5oz) Softened Cream Cheese
- 50g (1/4 cup) Softened Mascarpone Cheese
- 30ml (2 Tbsp) Cherry Jam or Pureed Cherries
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
- 1 Tbsp Finely Crushed Freeze-Dried Cherry Pieces (garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal Base: Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate & Peanut Butter: Combine butter, peanut butter, and cereal in a saucepan over low heat; stir until melted.
- Coat Cereal: Spread coated cereal on baking sheet; cool for 5 minutes.
- Whip Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese and mascarpone until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Cherry Flavor: Add cherry jam, vanilla, and salt to cream cheese mixture; whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle and Swirl: Drizzle cherry cream over cereal and gently swirl with a spatula.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Sprinkle powdered sugar and toss to coat.
- Bake to Set: Bake for 5-7 minutes to set glaze.
- Cool and Transfer: Cool completely, then transfer to a bowl.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with cherry jam and sprinkle with crushed cherries.
Notes
For best results, ensure cream cheese and mascarpone are fully softened. Don’t overmix the cherry cream drizzle to maintain visible streaks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: puppy chow,muddy buddies,cherry cheesecake,snack,party food,dessert,easy recipe,sweet and salty